The SBB is purchasing eleven new single-deck multiple units for regional transport in Seetal for around CHF 140 million (EUR 147 million). Stadler has been awarded the contract. The new trains are expected to run from the 2030 timetable year and will bring numerous improvements for passengers.
In November 2023, SBB launched a tendering process for new single-deck multiple units in order to continue to be able to offer efficient and climate-friendly public transport in regional transport in Seetal (Lucerne-Hochdorf-Lenzburg route).
The 15 Seetal articulated multiple units (GTW) that are currently in use need to be replaced due to their age. Stadler is the only rolling stock manufacturer to submit a bid.
The bid is convincing due to the well-thought-out implementation of the specific technical requirements, the project planning and the contemporary interior and exterior design of the vehicles.
SBB Stadler units feature numerous improvements
The new multiple units SBB ordered from Stadler – the “Seetaler” – offer customers numerous improvements. Compared to the vehicles currently in use, the trains have more storage space for bicycles, strollers and large items of luggage.
They also offer good mobile phone and data reception when on the move and power sockets in all compartments. They take into account the requirements for travelers with limited mobility, enable autonomous access from different platform heights and have two legally compliant spaces for wheelchair users and a wheelchair-accessible toilet per train.
Wheelchair spaces are now also available in 1st class.
Originally, the SBB had put out a tender for ten trains for the Seetal. However, in parallel with the tendering process, the SBB decided together with the purchasers (federal government, cantons of Aargau and Lucerne) that an option vehicle would be redeemed with the basic order quantity in order to ensure robust operations on the Lucerne–Hochdorf–Lenzburg route in the future. The investment volume is around CHF 140 million (EUR 147 million).
Commercial deployment starts in December 2029
Project implementation will begin at Stadler in November 2024. After a design phase lasting several months, construction of the trains will start in 2026. The “Seetaler” are expected to be deployed from December 2029 and will gradually replace the Seetal articulated railcars (GTW) by mid-2030.
For historical reasons, the Seetal line has particularly tight space conditions due to the proximity of the railway line to the road, adjacent houses and garden walls, which is why a special clearance gauge (special profile Seetal) applies. The trains run on a standard gauge in Seetal, but due to these conditions have a narrower car body than standard SBB regional trains.
Furthermore, all stations in Seetal now have a platform height that is 20 centimeters lower than the standard in the SBB network. Because the Seetal line runs as far as Lucerne and the trains can therefore travel across the entire SBB network, the vehicle must have two different entry heights. This ensures autonomous entry in accordance with the Disability Equality Act.
Share on:
